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  • Presentation | H34H: Stable Isotopes and Other Tracers in the Critical Zone: Hydrological Processes, Chemical Weathering, and Hydrochronology II Oral
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  • H34H-03: Enhancing breakthrough curve analysis via automated curve fitting-based spectral deconvolution
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Author(s):
Fabian Quichimbo, University of Florida (First Author, Presenting Author)
Seonkyoo Yoon, University of Florida
John Barry, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Alexander Scott, Darcy Solutions, INC
Peter Kang, University of Minnesota Twin Cities


Scientists often use fluorescent dyes to trace how water moves underground, especially in complex systems like caves (karst) or fractured rock. By tracking changes in dye concentration over time, called breakthrough curves (BTCs), we can learn how fast and where water is flowing. However, natural substances in groundwater, like humic and fulvic acids, can also fluoresce and make it difficult to detect the dye signal, especially at low concentrations.


To solve this, we present a new technique that separates the dye signal from this natural background. Our approach uses computer-based curve fitting to isolate multiple dyes at once, even in water with high natural fluorescence. We tested it at three field sites in Florida and Minnesota, and it performed well even where standard dye sensors often fail. This method also works with large datasets from frequent water sampling, helping researchers build clearer, more accurate pictures of how groundwater flows in real-world environments.




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